V
Vikram Chowdhury
posted on 17 MayBuilder's hidden charges: Facing a trap
Honestly not sure how builders get away with this. Booked 3BHK Godrej, Sector 150, pre-launch. Now, huge hidden PLC, maintenance charges. Brochure mein kuch nahi tha. Is this builder payment trap common? What to do?
#hidden-charges#builder-issues#pre-launch#sector-150#godrej-properties
Comments
So is this a general trend in Noida's current market? I'm looking at properties in Alpha II and now I'm super paranoid. Should I wait for ready-to-move-in options to avoid this mess?
Ready-to-move-in is generally safer on the 'hidden charges' front, but always get a legal opinion on ALL documents before signing anything. Don't trust anyone blindly.
Yes, it's definitely a trend, especially in popular areas like Noida where demand is high. Builders know people are desperate to buy. Ready-to-move-in options *can* save you from hidden charges, but they come with their own premium and might be older inventory. Plus, you still need to scrutinize the sale deed for any lurking costs. There's no easy escape, unfortunately.
This is why it's crucial to get a lawyer to review your Builder-Buyer Agreement BEFORE you sign it, not after. Most of us first-time buyers just see the dream and sign away. These agreements are usually one-sided, protecting the builder. Look for clauses related to 'other charges', 'escalation', 'super area changes', and 'maintenance advance'. If the pre-launch brochure didn't mention it, and it's not in your initial booking form, you might have some leverage. But it will be a fight.
Hidden PLC? Kitna charge kar rahe hain? 150-200 psf? Yeh toh bahut zyada hota hai yaar.
Exactly, and these hidden charges inflate the final price so much. For us budget-conscious buyers, it's a nightmare. I remember seeing a project in Ajayabpur where the base price was attractive, but after adding all these charges like PLC, IDC, FFC, the per sqft rate went up by almost 20-25%. It completely changes the affordability calculation. Builders should be transparent from day one.
PLC (Preferential Location Charges) can range anywhere from 50 psf to even 500 psf depending on the floor, view, corner unit etc. Builders usually list a base price and then add PLC for 'premium' units. If it wasn't in your pre-launch documents, you have a strong case. Check all your initial booking forms and receipts carefully.
You're not alone, bro. I faced something similar with another builder in Ghaziabad. They added an 'infrastructure development fee' after I signed the LOI. RERA mein complain kar sakte hain kya iske liye?
Yes, RERA is an option, but depends on what your Builder-Buyer Agreement (BBA) says. If the charges were mentioned anywhere, even vaguely, RERA might not help much. I had a similar issue with a project near Alpha I Greater Noida, where they hiked the super area by 5% at possession, meaning more cost for me without any actual change in carpet area. It's frustrating how they manipulate these things.
RERA mein complain kar sakte ho, but the process is super slow and tedious. Most builders have clauses in the fine print that allow for these 'adjustments'. It's a huge loophole they exploit. Meri jaan nikal gayi thi chase karte karte.
Bhai, totally common! My blood boils just reading this. Yeh toh sabka problem hai.
Haan, but Godrej se toh expect nahi kiya tha. Reputed builder hai na? Yeh sunke toh aur darr lag raha hai. Hum bhi Sector 150 mein dekh rahe the.
Exactly! They show one price, and then add so many things later. Like GST, development charges, club membership, parking... list never ends. It's like a bait and switch tactic.
Honestly not sure how builders get away with this. Booked 3BHK Godrej, Sector 150, pre-launch. Now, huge hidden PLC, maintenance charges. Brochure mein kuch nahi tha. Is this builder payment trap common? What to do?